Correlation between respiratory, energetic, and metabolical indicators with the physical efficiency of the rowers on a rowing ergometer

Committee Members

Damir Sekulić (committee chairperson)

Granter

University of SplitFaculty of Kinesiology

Place

Split

State

Croatia

Scientific field, discipline, subdiscipline

SOCIAL SCIENCESKinesiologySports Kinesiology

UDK

796/799THE ARTS. RECREATION. ENTERTAINMENT. SPORTSport

Study programme type

university

Study level

postgraduate

Study programme

/

Academic title abbreviation

dr. sc.

Genre

doctoral thesis

Language

Croatian

Defense date

2011-12-22

Parallel abstract (English)

The aim of this study is to determine respiratory-metabolic characteristic of the Croatian
rowers and a connection of these features with the success in rowing ergometer. The study
was conducted on a sample of 180 Croatian rowers (82 juniors, 98 seniors), among which 109
representatives. Tests were conducted in the diagnostic centre of the Faculty of Kinesiology in
Zagreb and in the respiratory department of the lung department, Clinical hospital centre
Split. The same discontinuous method load was applied in both centres. The multivariate
analysis of variance was used to show different results between the rowers of different ages
(juniors / seniors) and those with different performance. Correlation of respiratory and
metabolic properties, with success in rowing, was established using the regression analysis.
Respiratory and metabolic characteristics were treated as predictor and the work done on the
treadmill as a criterion variable. After the completion of the exercise done on the rowing
ergometer, a significant association between respiratory and metabolic characteristics, with
success in rowing, was established. The set of variables measured in Split, explains half of the
variability in sport performance excellency on the rowing ergometer. The set of variables
measured in Zagreb, explains 63% of the variability in the criterion variables measured in
juniors and 39% of the variability in the criterion variables measured in seniors. Rowing team,
in both age groups, achieves significantly better results on the rowing ergometer which can be
associated to the higher body height and higher body mass. These parameters indicate
increased respiratory parameters and the maximum oxygen consumption. Presented in the
relation to the prediction, that is, in the relatively maximum oxygen consumption, these data
indicate no difference among rowers of different ages. The specifics of motor learning when
performing complex rowing stroke movements should offer the explanation for better results.
The conclusion, based on these results, is that one should start with the systematic diagnosis
in rowing at the latest in the year preceding the juniors - Junior B (16-years-old).